Dr. Eugene S. A. Chukudebelu MD

A Life of Love, Learning, and Compassion

With hearts heavy with grief but also profound gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Eugene S.A. Chukudebelu, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and healer who touched countless lives with his gentle spirit and boundless love. He passed away on November 14, 2024 surrounded by his wife and children.

Eugene was born on December 30, 1937, in the Nigerian town of Owerri, to Samuel and Dinah Chukudebelu. His father, an itinerant teacher and church catechist, dedicated his life to service, which caused the family to frequently relocate. From an early age, Eugene understood the importance of education as a gateway to opportunity, a value deeply ingrained in his family’s ethos of academic excellence.

As a young man, Eugene first worked as a teacher, demonstrating the intellectual capabilities that would define his career. His brother Wilfred—Uncle Willie—played a pivotal role in Eugene's professional trajectory, inspiring his transition from teaching to medicine. With characteristic determination, Eugene pursued medical studies, overcoming significant challenges, including mastering German through an intensive six-month language program to study at the University of Heidelberg.

Recognizing his physical limitations with essential tremors, Eugene strategically chose the medical specialties of cardiology and internal medicine - ones that did not require surgical precision. This self-awareness guided his professional path, allowing him to focus on patient care and medical expertise rather than surgical intervention.

After completing his residency in New York and a fellowship at the University of Chicago, Eugene's professional journey took a joyful turn when he met his bride of almost 48 years, Esther Chinwe Okoye, in Boston, Massachusetts, in June of 1976. Their love story blossomed instantly, and just six months later, on January 8, 1977, they were married. Together, they built a beautiful life that endured the tests of time, distance, and decades. Their union was richly blessed with five children: Chika, Amuche, Chukudum, Ifeanyi, and Nkiruka. Esther remained a devoted wife, lovingly caring for Eugene until his peaceful transition to glory.

A man of profound faith, Eugene practiced medicine with dedication and compassion until his retirement at age 71. His commitment to healing extended beyond clinical practice, reflecting a genuine belief in service to others. On his many visits back home to Nigeria, he would often see patients who had no means or access to medical care.

Dr. Eugene Chukudebelu's life embodied perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to family and community. He navigated life's challenges with grace, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and service.

He is survived by his wife, Esther, his five children: Chika (Emeka) Igwilo, Amuche (Antoinette) Chukudebelu, Chukudum (Khia) Chukudebelu, Ifeanyi Chukudebelu, Nkiruka Chukudebelu Olele; nine grandchildren: Jaylen, Cameron, Anulika, Arinze, Adaolisa, and Akachi Chukudebelu, Azuka Jr. and Chizara Olele, Kenéchukwu Igwilo; extended family, friends and the many patients and colleagues whose lives he impacted throughout his medical career.

A celebration of life will be held on December 14, 2024 at Brookside Funeral Home - Cypress Creek at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the International Essential Tremor Foundation to honor Eugene's continued support for research aimed at eradicating both conditions.

Guests can book accommodations at SpringHill Suites located at 20350 Northwest Fwy Jersey Village, TX 77065. To receive the special group rate, please mention the “Chukudebelu Homegoing” or use the booking link/code:

https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1732337938787&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink

Reservations must be made by December 5th. For further assistance, please contact the hotel at

+1 (281) 469-6500.

We look forward to coming together to celebrate Dr. Eugene S.A. Chukudebelu’s beautiful life and legacy.